Bible Commentary

Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: 20. avoiding this ] The word is used in Greek of furling the sails of a vessel to avoid a disaster. It occurs again in the N.T. in 2Th 3:6. But it may perhaps be translated making this arrangement. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:20”

And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind: 19. and not that only ] i.e. not only is he praised throughout all the Churches. but who … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:19”

And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches; 18. And we have sent with him ] Literally, we sent with him, unless the tense be what is known as the epistolary aorist (see above, ch. 2Co 2:9), in which case these messengers were also the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:18”

For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. 17. For indeed he accepted the exhortation ] The Greek implies that Titus did indeed receive an exhortation from St Paul, but that he did more than he had been asked to do. For exhortation compare entreaty, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:17”

But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. 16. But thanks be to God ] The word translated thanks here is that translated grace, gift, in other places of this Epistle. We learn from 2Co 8:6 ; 2Co 8:17, that Titus, moved by the strong … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:16”

As it is written, He that [had gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [had gathered] little had no lack. 15. as it is written ] In Exo 16:18. “In this miracle St Paul perceives a great universal principle of human life. God has given to every man a certain capacity and a certain … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:15”

But by an equality, [that] now at this time your abundance [may be a supply] for their want, that their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want: that there may be equality: 14. but by an equality ] Cf. 1 Corinthians 12 and Act 2:41-47; Act 4:32-37. Dean Stanley remarks on the similarity … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:14”

For [I mean] not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 13. that other men be eased, and you burdened ] This translation is partly due to the Geneva Version and partly to Tyndale. Literally it runs, that other men should have relief (see note on ch. 2Co 7:5) and ye tribulation. ( That … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:13”

For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not. 12. For if there be first a willing mind ] Literally, For if willingness (or readiness) is present. See Heb 6:18. The word translated willing mind here is rendered readiness … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:12”

Now therefore perform the doing [of it]; that as [there was] a readiness to will, so [there may be] a performance also out of that which ye have. 11. Now therefore perform the doing of it ] The words perform, performance, in this verse should rather be rendered complete, completion. See ch. 2Co 7:1, where … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:11”